FOX Orders 'Star' Pilot from 'Empire' Co-Creator Lee Daniels

FOX has ordered a new pilot, Star, from Lee Daniels, co-creator and executive producer of the hit primetime soap Empire. The pilot, from 20th Century Fox Television, will be written, directed and executive-produced by Daniels.

Star is the story of three young women, all with hopes of making it big, and the choices they’re faced with along the way. It will showcase the allure and heartache of the cut-throat music scene, while also exploring cultural themes from a new perspective. What would you do to rise to the top?

The project is the first to emerge from Daniels’ multi-year overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television. Casting for the pilot will begin shortly.

Lee Daniels is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker whose work is trademarked by authenticity and candor, providing audiences with a unique and refreshing experience and character insight with each of his projects. In 2013, he released the critically acclaimed box office smash Lee Daniels’ The Butler. The film held the No. 1 box office spot for three consecutive weeks, and has to date grossed more than $175 million worldwide. Daniels is widely known for his Academy Award-winning film, Precious, based on the novel “Push,” by Sapphire (a.k.a. Ramona Lofton). Precious was nominated for six Academy Awards, including nominations for Daniels in the category of Achievement in Directing and Best Motion Picture of the Year, and wins in the categories of Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay. In addition to Empire, Daniels also is attached to direct an installment of the 10-part event series “The Ten Commandments” and an untitled Richard Pryor biographical film. This past June, he signed a multi-year deal with 20th Century Fox Television to develop, write and oversee new projects under his Lee Daniels Entertainment banner.

The Star pilot is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Lee Daniels will write, direct and serve as executive producer of the pilot episode. Tom Donaghy (The Whole Truth) will serve as writer and executive producer on the pilot with Daniels.